How to Bring Our Schools Out of the 20th Century - Guilderland ...

programs achieve outcomes that are consistent across grade levels.
5. Curriculum
Human, fiscal and time resources are available for systematic curriculum
development. The curriculum review cycle provides for assessment.
6. Instruction
Will be appropriate to the developmental level of the students and consistent with
program outcomes and current professional practices.
7. Materials
Materials appropriate for students’ developmental level, rich in authentic culture
and language, and related to the curriculum are key components in elementary
school foreign language programs. The main focus of all materials, both print and
non-print, is the teaching of communication.
8. Evaluation
Processes for evaluating both student proficiency and program success are in use.
Evaluation processes are appropriate to the goals, objectives, and teaching strategies
of elementary school foreign language programs, as well as to the developmental
level of children.
9. Staffing
Programs are staffed by certified teachers who have completed preparation in
methods and materials for elementary school foreign language instruction,
developmental characteristics of the elementary school learner, and the nature of the
elementary school curriculum. Modern foreign language teachers should have a
high level of language and cultural competence.
10. Professional Development
An ongoing program of professional development should allow teachers to advance
in their levels of language, culture, and instruction.
11. School and Community Support and Development
The foreign language teachers work with the entire school community to integrate
the foreign language curriculum into the school educational program. The
elementary school foreign language program shows responsibility for and makes
effective use of parent and community resources and of school board and
administrative staff.
12. Culture
The connection between language and culture is made explicit, and foreign
language instruction is implemented within a cultural context. Cultural awareness
and understanding are explicit goals of the program. The program collaborates with
other cultures and countries (exchange programs, pen pals, etc.) to assure language
learning within a context of cultural experiences. We believe the emphasis on
cultural understanding fits very well with our bullying prevention efforts.
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